Case loader



Aug. 11, 1936. J. J. THAYl-:R 2,050,547

CASE LOADER Fi1ed May 27, 1952 12 sheets-sheet 1 Aug. l1, 1936. l J. J.- THAYER CASE LOADER Filed May 2v, 1952 12 sheets-sneer 2 n ventor' @/ovqW/fx l Attor'n eys J. J. THAYER CASE LOADER Aug. l1, 1936.

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' Filed May 27) 1952 l2 Sheets-Shaml 8 ATTDHNEYE Aug. 11, 1936. J. J. THAYER 2,050,547

CASE LOADER Filed May 27,. 1932 12 sheets-sheet 9 I'PNTUR ML, @wel ATH/HND@ J. J. THAYr-:R

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CASE LOAIDER Filed May 27, 1952 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 LWN/70.@

lAni/5 PatentedgAug. l1, 1936 CASE LOADER Josephus J.

J. L. Ferguson Company,

Thayer,

Hollywood, Ill., assgnor to a corporation Application May 27, 1932, Serial No. 613,812

` 42 Claims.

My invention relates to case loading machines, and more particularly to machines arranged to receive containers from conveyers and automatically and simultaneously these containers in into suitable cases.

insert a plurality of the form of tiers or layers Certain case loading machines have been previously used wherein a plurality of tainers have been simultaneously i cases to form a tier or layer therein.

small connserted in However,

these machines have been comparatively slow and ineicient as only one inserted in the case.

tier at a time could be The present invention provides a machine wherein a plurality of layers, each comprising a plurality of. small containers, may taneously inserted in a case, and in be vsimulwhich the machine is so constructed that a case may be completely loaded with loading mechanism, that is,l whereby of containers suiiicient to completely may case thereby filling each operation of the a plurality fill a case be moved from suitable conveyers into the it at a single operation.

This invention further contemplates a case filling machine providing for continuous operation whereby collapsed cartons may utively opened and a be consecplurality of layers of containers be inserted therein for completely filling in opposite directions the case, or wherein, in

certain instances, a plurality of layers may be inserted, and the continuous operation of the machine will insert further layers either singly or a plurality simultaneously to complete the lling of the case.

It is also an object to provide a case filling 4machine for continuous operation wherein a plurality of containers veyer and automatically carried by arc may be removed from a con-` uate' movement into alignment with an open container and inserted therein.

It will be obvious that modications may be made in the particular structure illustrated in the present application without depa rting from the spirit of the invention. However, in practicing the invention bodiment herein in accordance with the emillustrated, a suitable frame work is provided on which is supported an intermittently movable horizontal conveyer.

This

conveyor is arranged to consecutively remove collapsed cases from a magazine.

As these collapsed cases are remove d from the (ci. zes-'44) magazine, `vacuum cups engage suitable portions thereof and cooperate with mechanical edge engaging members to open Athe case. The continued movement of the conveyer in cooperation with the cups and members mentioned serves to 5 open the case which is then in squared out open transverse relation to the conveyer and resting thereon.

When the case is completely opened the conveyer is automatically stopped, and if the case is correctly positioned on the conveyer, in opened position in the loading zone, suitable electrical switches are tripped by the complete opening process whereby the machine will continue to operate for lloading the containers in the case. However, if the case is not properly positioned these switches are not operated and all further machine operation will be stopped until the case is removed or correctly positioned.

A constantly moving conveyer is positioned on each side of the c ase conveyer for carrying containers to points adjacent the loading zone and adjacent each open end of the squared out case. A suitable stopping and tripping mechanism automatically operates to separate and position consecutive groups of containers in transverse alignment with the case but in a somewhat lower plane.

Transversely movable carriages having vacuum cup container engaging means thereon then simultaneously lift the groups of containers, and by an inward rotary and transversepmovement move the containers through arcuate paths into alignment with and into the open ends of the cases and the carriages then release the containers and return immediately to normal stationary position. The filled cases are then automatically moved forward by the intermittent movement of the case conveyer and another collapsed case is removed from the magazine and opened and illed in a similar manner.

In order that the containers during the arcuate movement into the case may clear the lower flap, these flaps are automatically engaged and further opened by a suitable flap engaging means.

During the intermittent forward movement of the lled container, the end flaps on one end of the case are closed by a suitable flap closing means and the filled case moves from the case conveyer `to a turning device which turns the case` and deposits it on its closed end, on a suitable discharge conveyer. rIhis latter conveyer is preferably a constantly moving device and may be used in connection with or form a part of a suitable case sealing mechanism if desired.'

with more than two layers of container. ymachine is slightly modified for this purpose;

ilcation `and the appended claims.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side elevation of one, embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevation partially in longitudinal section of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a detailed sectional view taken on a line corresponding to line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the discharge end of the ma'chine and illustrates the clutch mechanism and the means whereby a filled case is discharged from the machine to a suitable conveyer;

Fig. 5 is an end view of a portion of the discharge mechanism,- the discharge conveyer mechanism being shown in section on a line corresponding to line 5 5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section through the main clutch and is taken on a line corresponding to line 6-6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a transverse section through the clutch and control mechanism therefor and is taken on a line corresponding to line 'I-'I of Fig. 6

Fig, 8 is. a. perspective view of a portion of'the automatic case-opening mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another portion of the case-opening mechanism and shown in connection with the conveyer and case;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical control mechanism for controlling the operation of the machine relative to the position of a case;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the automatic flap opening mechanism;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the flap opening mechanism illustrated in Fig. 11 and is taken on a line corresponding to line I2-I2 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the ilap. closing means;

Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view taken on aline substantially corresponding to lineV I4-I4 of Fig. 1 and illustrates the mechanism for moving the containers from the conveyers into the case;

Fig. 15 is a detail perspective view of the carriage moving cam and associated mechanism for operating the case loading device illustrated in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a front view of the container handling mechanism illustrated in Fig. 14, illustrating the method of inserting the containers in the case;

Fig. 17 is a detailed elevation of the vacuum control valve and the connections therefor, together with the valve operating cam as used in cooperation withthe case loading device illustrated in Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the container Vcarriage mechanism;

Fig. '19 is a top plan view of the completely assembled container carriage;

Fig. 20 is a top plan view of one of the container conveyers and container grouping and lifting mechanism;

Fig. 21 is a detailed end view of a portion of the guide means for the container lifting frame;

Fig. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view through the container conveyer and container grouping and lifting means and taken substantially on line 22-22 of Fig. 20; f

Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the relative location of the containers, conveyers and cases during the operation of filling large cases The Fig. 24 is a side elevation of a modified form Further objects will be apparent from the speciof stopping and tripping mechanism which is used when the machine is arranged to fill the cases with containers in a manner illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 23;

Fig. 25 is a detailed view partially in section 5 through the rack controlling mechanism for operating a plurality of case loading devices to complete the loading operation in conformity with the method illustrated in Fig. 23, and in cooperation with the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 24; l0

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a modified mechanism provided with vacuum controlled nap engaging means whereby the lower flaps of the case may be further opened and held out of the arcuate path of the containers, and may be used in place of the mechanism illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12;

Fig. 27 is a side elevation of one of the cases on the conveyer in opened position and illustrates the relative position of the case and ap con- 20 trolling mechanism shown in Fig. 26;

Fig. 28 is a top plan view o1' a modified container carriage and incorporates mechanical means whereby containers may be engaged and supported by mechanical engagement instead of by the use of vacuum cups;

Fig. 29 is an end view 'of the carriage illustrated in Fig. 28; and

Fig. 30 is a detailed sectional view through one of the container gripping means in cooperation 39 with a container and is taken on a line correspending to line 30-30 of Fig. 28.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the embodiment illustrated comprises a frame I having an intermittently movable longitudinal conveyer 2 3"' thereon which latter comprises a pair of spaced conveyer chains 2a, as illustrated in Fig. 4, on which are mounted a plurality of case engaging flights 3. These flights are so spaced on the conveyer chains 2a that the intermittent movement of the conveyer will cause them to correctly position each consecutive case for the lling and other operations connected therewith.

The chains 2a are mounted on suitable sprockets secured to transverse shafts 4 and 5 rotatably 45 mounted in suitable bearings at the rear and front of the machine, respectively.

'I'he case conveyer 2 is intermittently driven through a clutch 6 on the shaft 5 and which is automatically tripped, to control the intermittent 5f) operation of the conveyer, by a mechanism which will be described later.

The clutch 6 comprises a driven member 'I secured to the conveyer shaft 5, and a driving member 8 forming part of a driving sprocket 9. The 5 driving member 8 is driven from a motor I 0 through a suitable speed reduction mechanism I I and a chain I2 connecting a sprocket I3 and the clutch sprocket 9.

The drive chain l2 also extends rearwardly 60 over an idler I2a and engages another sprocket I4 on a transverse shaft I5 (Figs. l and 2). The sprocket I4 is diagrammatically indicated in Fig.

2 and the shaft I5, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 14.

is arranged to drive container conveyers I6, one of which is mounted on each side of the frame I and in parallel relation with the case conveyer 2 but in a somewhat lower plane.

The container conveyers I6 are constantly driven through the mechanism just described and, in cooperation with suitable container escapementmechanism, assemble and position groups of containers whereby they may be readily moved into the open ends of intermittently positicned cases on the case conveyer 2. 7o

will be driven by the motor I8. This clutch inelndes a spring pressed pivoted pawl 2| which,.in the position shown, causes the clutch to be engaged.

In order to stop the movement of the ease conveyer 2, it is necessary that the outwardly e'xtending arm of the clutch pawl 2| be engaged and retained in the dotted line position. This may be accomplished by means of a trip lever 22 pivoted at 23 and connected to a spring controlled. cam arm 24 by means of a link 25.

The cam arm 24 is provided with a roller 28` arranged to engage the periphery of a cam -21 secured to the main shaft 28. A spring 28 retains the r'oller 26 in engagement with the cam and, in the position shown, the trip lever 22 is disengaged from the clutch pawl 2| to allow clutch engagement. The contour of the cam 21 is such that during therevolution of the main shaft. 20, the trip lever 22 is released from engagement with the clutch pawl 2| and the clutch will then be engaged to drive the case conveyer 2 until again disengaged by the control mechanism described.

The clutch 6 is illustrated in detail in Fig. 6. The driving member 8 is provided with an annular concentric bore 29 into which extends a .reduced cylindrical portion 30 of the driven member 1. The bore 29 is machined for a free-running fit on the cylindrical portion 30. The clutch pawl 2| is pivoted in the driven member 1, and is provided with a reduced engaging portion 3| which is machined on a radius substantially equal to the radius of the reduced cylindrical portion of the driven member. The outwardly extending arm of the pawl is normally held in the position shown in Fig. '1 by means of a spring 32. In this position'. the reduced portion 3| is engaged in a slot 33 in the cylindrical wall of the driving member 8. It is obvious that when the pawl is in the position shown in Fig. '1 with the driving member 8 rotating in the direction of the arrow, the driving and driven members will be locked together by the pawl 2| and the shaft 5 will be rotated to drive the case conveyer 2. It will also be obvious that when the trip lever 22 is raised into the path of the pawl by the cam 21, the clutch 6 will be disengaged due to the positioning of the pawl 2| whereby it is released from the slot 33 in the .driving member.

The main shaft 28 also controls, through suit- I able mechanism, other important functions relative to the loading of the containers in the cases.

An auxiliary conveyer chain 34 is mounted in parallel spaced relation above the case conveyer 2. This conveyer chain is mounted on a driven sprocket 35 which is secured to a. transverse shaft 3B on the frame I, and a sprocket 31 rotatably mounted on a forwardly extending guide channel 38 which latter is secured to cross bars or channel irons 39 of the frame. The sprocket shaft 36 is driven from the conveyer shaft 4 by a transmission comprising a chain 40 on suitable sprockets, and intermediate driving gears 4| a cam arm 60 by means of a link 6|.

and 42, the gear 4| and its adjacent sprocket being secured together and loosely mounted for rotation on a traverse shaft 4|a..

The auxiliary sprocket chain 34 is provided with ights 43 and is driven in synchronism with the conveyer 2. This construction provides an efficient means for moving the loaded cases from the machine.

The chain 34 engages a guide member 44 (Fig. 3) which latter is resiliently mounted on the extension guide channel 38 by means of bolts 45 and springs 46. This resilient guide allows for slight variations in the siz'c of the cases.

A magazine 41 is vertically positioned above one end of the conveyer 2 as illustrated in Fig. 2 and a stack of collapsed cases 48 may be supported therein. During each intermittent movementoi' the conveyer, the edge of the collapsed case will be engaged by one of the flights 3 and a. case will be moved forwardly, as indicated by the reference character 48a, until the forward end -of the collapsed case engages the down-turned 4the movement of the conveyer 2 and the opening of the collapsed case thereon. This automatic loperation will be explained in detail later.

conveyer will cause the complete opening and 3 squaring up of the case. However, these cases are usually made of stiff board with the fold lines creased and are not always easily opened by this means alone. Therefore, further means have been provided to assist the opening operation.

This means is more particularly illustrated in Figs. 2 and 8, and comprises vacuum cups 50 and 5| which are arranged to engage the side and bottom portions, respectively, of the moving case and cooperate with the opening hooks 49. The vacuum cup 50 which is to engage the upper surface of the side of the case is mounted on a carriage 52 which is in turn slidably mounted on rods 53 which latter are secured to a transverse rock shaft 54. The vacuum cup 5| is in a like manner mounted on a carriage 55 slidably mounted on rods 56 which latter are secured to a transverse rock shaft 51. The rock shafts 54 and 51 are intermittently operated in Asynchronism with the moving case by means of a cam 58 on the conveyer shaft 4, the rock shaft 54 being provided with an arm 59 connected to The cam arm 60 is pivoted at 62 and provided with a cam roller 83 engaging the cam 58.

With each revolution of the cam 58, and therefore during each intermittent movement of the conveyer 2, the vacuum cup 50 Will be raised and lowered, and by the operation of suitable vacuum control means, the cup will engage and lift the side of the ease 48a during the forward movement of the case, and during this forward movement and while the vacuum Cup is engaged with the case the carriage 52 will slide forward on the guide rods 53 therefore allowing the vacuum cup to retain its engagement with the case -during the opening movement.

'I'he rock shaft 51 is provided with a downwardly extending arm 64 which is connected to the arm 59 on rock shaft 54 by means of a link The slots 69 and 1| provide sufficient lost motion whereby extreme accuracy in the construction and operation of the device is unnecessary, and the spring 16 retains the arm 64 against the stop 64a. during the engagement of the lower vacuum cu 5|.

'he lower vacuum cup 5| is normally out of engagement until a case has reached a position for opening. The vacuum cups 50 and 5i are normally out of engaging-position, the guide rods 53 being'raised and the guide rods 56 being lowered.

The engagement of the vacuum cups 50 and 5| is controlled through suitable exible tubes 12 which are connected to a vacuum power source through a valve 13. This valve is intermittently controlled by means of a cam 14 on the shaft 4. The contour of this cam is such that the vacuum is created simultaneously with the contact of the cups 56 and 5i withthe opposite sides of the collapsed case.

In the operation of this device, the guide rods 53 are held in raised position, and the guide rods 56 are held in lowered position by means of the cam 58 until a collapsed case is in position to be engaged. The continuous rotation of the cam 58 then causes the guide rods 52 and 56 to be moved to the position shown in Fig. 8 whereby the cups engage opposite sides of the case. While the hooks 49 are tending to open the case and to prevent the forward movement of the upper part thereof, the vacuum cup 5| will move forwardly with the case as the carriage 52 slides on the guide rods 56 which are, at this time. parallel with the lower surface of the case. The spring and the slot 69 allow the guide rods 56 to remain in the horizontal position shown and the cup 5| thereby retains the lower surface of the case in engagement with the conveyer until the cam 41 releases the valve 13 and the vacuum cups 50 and 5| are released from the case. The carriages 52 and 55 then return by gravity to their original positions. The hooks 49 engaging the forward edge of the collapsed case cooperate with the mechanism just described to complete the opening or squaring out and positioning of each consecutively moved collapsed case 48a.

The hooks (Figs. 2 and 9), as stated previously, are securedI to the transverse rock shaft 4|a which is provided with a forwardly extending arm connected by means of a link 16 to a cam rock arm 11 pivoted at 18 on the frame. This cam rock arm is provided with a cam roller 19 engaging a cam 88 on the main shaft 26. The cam 8i) is so arranged that the upward movement of the hooks 49 in squaring out the case is timed for cooperation with the operation of the Vacuum cups and the forward movement of the collapsed case on the conveyer 2.

The machine is provided with a suitable electrically controlled system whereby it will be stopped if one of the cases fails to reach a properly opened position. The electrical system and control mechanism for this purpose is illustrated in Fig. 10 and comprises a switch 8| mounted on the channel guide member 38 and above the path of the case and provided with a switch arm 82 extending into'a position to be engaged by the upper surface of the case to close the switch when the case is completely opened.

Another switch 83 is positioned below the path of the case and provided with a switch Aarm 84 extending into the path. These switches are in series as shown and in a shunt circuit around the motor I6. 'Ihey are also in series with a relay 85 controlling the motor circuit. The switches 8| and 83 are in parallel with an intermittently operated switch 85 also shunted around the motor.

The switch 86 is located adjacent the main shaft 4 and is opened once during each revolution shunted around the motor I6 and causing the 20 relay 85 to maintain the motor circuit closed. If the case 48a fails to completely open, then one or.the other, or both, of the switches 8| and 83 will remain open thereby stopping the motor I6 and the entire operation of the machine until the defective case has been removed or completely opened and the switches 8| and 83 are closed thereby, or until a manually operated switch 88 is temporarily closed to-start the motor until the machine has operated sunlciently to allow the switch 86 to close and thereby continue the operation of the machine by causing another case to be removed from the magazine and opened.

After thecase has been opened and accurately latter are, in the present instance, illustrated as cylindrical cans, into each end of the opened case thereby completely filling it ,and immediately another intermittent movement of the conveyer 2 takes place to remove, open and position another case. The opening, loading and discharging cycle may continue indefinitely or as long as containers and collapsed cases are-supplied to the machine.

As shown in Figs. 1, 14, and 20, and diagrammatically illustrated in a modied form in Fig. 23

and as previously stated, a conveyer I6 is positioned on each side of the machine in parallel relation with the conveyer 2 but in a lower plane.

These conveyers I6 comprise a plurality of conveyer chains 89arranged in aligned pairs as indicated in Fig. 14, each pair being arranged to convey a row of containers 98. 'Ihese conveyers are in continuous operation and a suitable automatic detent means is provided whereby the containers are intermittently stopped and groups are positioned in alignment with the loading position of the open cases. In the embodiment illustrated, each group comprises twelve containers and two groups completely ll a case. A transverse rock shaft 9| (Figs. 20 and 22) is mounted underneath the conveyers 6 and provided with escapement bars 92. These bars 92 may be of any suitable length and are adjacent the path of the containers and are provided at each end with escapement pins 93 and 93a which are alternately moved into the path of the containers by the movement of the rock shaft 9|.

The rock shaft is also provided with a cam arm 94 engaging a cam 95 on the main cam shaft 20 so that with each revolution of the cam shaft the pins at opposite ends of the escapement bars are alternately positioned in the path of the cans so that when the forward pins are raised all of the containers on both of the` conveyers I6 are stopped while the conveyers continue to move. When the position of the escapement is reversed, the rear pins are raised and a group of twelve containers on each conveyer will be released and allowed to move forward to the loading station where they will be stopped by a cross bar 96 secured to the frame and will then be in position for loading into 'the case. During each interrnittent operation of the machine the continuously operated conveyer I6 and the escapement mechanism associated therewith will`position groups of containers adjacent the ends of the open cases.

The automatic mechanism vfor loading the groups into the case -is completely illustrated in Figs. 1 and 12, and 14 to 19, inclusive, and comprises carriages 91 mounted between and supported von the transverse channel irons 39 in frame I. The carriages are positioned directly above the assembled groups on the conveyers I6. Each carriage comprises a rectangular frame 98 on which is supported a plurality of, vacuum cups 99. These cups are arranged in parallel rows corresponding to the 'parallel rows in the assentbled container groups. A

A suitable mechanism is provided whereby each group of containers is raised from the conveyer sufficient to engage the vacuum cups 99 which latter are controlled from a suitable vacuum source by a valve mechanism which will be demeans of guide rods |03 extending through the angle bars |02 of the frame.

The frame I is raised by means ofthe mechanism illustrated in Figs. 20 and 22 and comprises bell cranks |04 and |05 pivotally mounted at |06 and |01, respectively. These bell cranks are connected together by means of a link |08 so that they operate simultaneously to raise the frame |00 and the containers thereon.

Upwardly extending arms of the bell cranks rest against suitable cross bars on the frame |00 and the bell crank |04 is provided with a cam arm |09 operatively engaging a cam ||0 on the main cam shaft 20. Obviously with each revolution of the cam shaft 20, a group of cans or containers may be raised into a position to engage the vacuum cups. The containers will be retained by the vacuum cups and the frame |00 will be immediately lowered to a position to receive the next group of cans from the escapement mechanism.

The carriages 91 (Figs. 14 to 19) are provided with oppositely disposed bearings and are pivotally 'mounted on hangers |l2, which hangers are provided with rollers I3 and are thereby suspended for longitudinal movement on tracks I4 on the transverse channel irons 39. Each of the hangers I|2 is provided with a rack- ||5 which is secured thereto. These racks are in engagement with suitable pinions I I6 which latter are secured to a shaft ||1 pivoted in suitable bearing blocks These bearing blocks are also provided with guide rollers ||9 for retaining the racks in engagement with the pinions.

The racks and hangers are provided on each of the transverse channel irons 39, and the arrangement of racks, pinions and transverse shaft is such that when one carriage is moved the other will -move simultaneously therewith through the operation of. the inter-engaging racks and pinions and the shaft ||1.

The movement of the hangers I2 and the carriages supported thereby is controlled by a cam on the main cam shaft 20 (Fig. 15). This cam is provided with a'slot |2| having a cam roller |22 engaged therein. The cam roller is secured to a vertical slide member |23 which is provided at its upper end with a rack I2|Vengaging a pinion |25 secured to a short shaft |26 mounted in a suitable bearing on the channel iron 39. A gear |21 is secured to this shaft |26 and is in mesh with one of the carriage racks IIS. With each rotation of the cam |20, lboth of the carriages 91 will be moved inwardly by means of the rack and pinion transmission, to move the groups of containers into the opened case as illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 16.

In order that the cans or containers may be retained by the vacuum cups, all of the cups are connected by means of suitable tubing to a main conduit |28 which ls, in turn, connected through a valve |29 (Fig. 1 7) to a suitable vacuum source. The valve |29 is controlled by means of a cam |30 on the main cam shaft 20. The cam |30 is arranged so that the vacuum will be applied when the cans are raised against the vacuum cups and will be released at the moment that the cans are completely insertedin the case. It is necessary that the group of containers should be moved through an arcuate path immediately upon starting the longitudinal movement of the carriage in order that they may be brought into parallel alignment with the open end of the case before insertion. This is accomplished by means of an arm 3| on each carriage pivot and provided with a roller |32 which is at all times in engagement with a surface cam |33 on the frame.

It will be evident that any inward longitudinal movement of the hangers ||2 will cause the carriages to be rotated through substantially ninety degrees by engagement of the rollers |32 with the cams |33. This movement takes place immediately upon the start of the longitudinal movement and aligns the containers with the open end of the case and the continued longitudinal movement inserts the containers therein. rIhe carriage is then immediately withdrawn and returned to its original position by means of the cam |20 and the rack and pinion mechanism described previously.

In order that the bottom end flaps 48h of the case may not interfere with the arcuate movement of the containers. a suitable mechanism is provided for moving them downwardly and retaining them out of the path of the containers. This mechanism is particularly illustrated in Figs. 1l and 12 and comprises forwardly extending parallel shafts |311 having upturned ends |35 thereon arranged to engage each of the case flaps 48h and move them downwardly to an angular position when shafts |34 are partially rotated- The shafts |34 are provided with bevel pinions |36 engaging bevel gears |31 on a transverse rock shaft |38. This rock shaft is connected, by means of an arm |39 and a link |40, to a spring controlled cam arm |4| pivoted on the frame at |42.

The cam arm |4| is provided with a roller |43 engaging a cam |44 on the shaft 4 of the conveyor 2. This flap opening mechanism is so timed as to operate during the opening of the case and its forward movement in the direction of the arrow as shown in Fig. 11. As soon as the case is sufficiently opened the rotation of the shafts |34 cause the ends |35 to engage and push the flaps 48h downwardly. However, during the squaring-out process the case 46a travels forwardly until only the forwardly extending portion |35a engages or is engaged by the iiap. The case having completely opened and passed beyond the end of the shaft |34 thereby leaves the arcuate path of the containers unobstructed.

In the embodiment shown, and as specifically illustrated in Fig. 14, the conveyers |6 are arranged in such a manner that the rows of cans thereon are separated by guide bars |45. 'Ihese guide bars do not extend into the grouping zone. However, the rows in each group are laterally spaced and remain in this position when they are raised into engagement with the vacuum cups.

In order that the cans may be snugly grouped for insertion in the case, certain of' the rows of vacuum cups are movably mounted on the carriage frame 98 whereby during the raising of the cans through the arcuate path the 4rows will be moved together by gravity and the group.

snugly assembled for insertion.

In order to accomplished this, the outer row of vacuum cups is rigidly connected to the carriage (Fig. 18). the middle and inner row being connected to slidable bars |46 and |41, respectively. These bars are secured to slides |46a and |41a, respectively, which latter are slidably mounted on suitable guide rods |48. The bar s |46 and |41 and the vacuum cups thereon are normally retained in spaced relation by means of 'springs |49.

During the movement of the carriage through..

the arcuate path tobring the containers into alignment with the case, the weight of the containers overcomes the springs |49 and they are thereby assembled into a compact group by gravity.

After the container has been filled and the carriages have been immediately returned to normal position, the main clutch 6 is again automatically engaged to move the conveyer 2 and the lled case thereon out of the loading position and to remove a succeeding collapsed case from the magazine and open it in the loading position.

During the movement of the filled container from the loading station, the end flaps of one end of the case are closed by the mechanism i1- lustrated in Figs` 1, 4, and 13 which comprises a transverse rock shaft |50 having a curved arm |5| thereon which arm is provided with an outturned end |52 for engaging the rear vertical iiap 48e during the forward movement of the case. This engagement and consequent closing of the flap is caused by the operation of the rock shaft |50 by means of a cam |53 on the conveyor shaft 5.

The cam |53 is engaged by av roller |54 on an outwardly extending arm on a short rock shaft 55. This latter shaft |55 is provided with an arm |56 which is connected to a similar arm on the rock shaft |50, by means of a link |51.

With each intermittent operation of the conveyer 2, the flap closing arm |5| will be moved as illustrated in Fig. 13 to close the flap 48e. The out-tumed 'end of the arml |52 is arranged to ilrst engage and move the flap and to allow the 5 inner portion of the arm |5| to press the flap to v a completely closed position.

During the forward movement of the filled case, the forward flap 48d will be closed by reason of its engagement with a curved closing member |58 l0 which is secured to the frame and extends into the path of the ap. The upper and lower flaps will then'be closed by reason of their engagement with suitable forwardly extending flap folders |59 which are' also secured to the frame. These 15 flap folders |59 are elongated as shown in Fig. 1 for the purpose of retaining the flaps in closed position until the lled case is discharged from the machine.

The discharge end of the machine is provided 20 with a roller |60 adjacent the end of the conveyer 2 (Figs. 1 and 4) 'Ihls roller is positively driven from the conveyer shaft 5 by means of a chain |6| on suitable sprockets.

It is desirable that when the cases are dis- 25 charged from the machine they should be turned and so positioned on another discharge conveyer |62 in such a manner that they will be positioned with the open end up. This requires turning the nlled case to a vertical position and this is accom- 30 plished by a suitable turning device, illustrated in Figs. 2, 4, and 5, and which comprises a pivoted frame |63 having a plurality of rollers |64 there- 'I'his frame is positioned so that the rollers are'35 in alignment with the conveyer 2 and the case is moved onto the rollers |64 as it is discharged from the conveyer 2 and associated roller |60.

The frame |63 is pivoted at |65 and provided with a weight |66 which normally holds the carriage in the upright position illustrated in Fig. 5. However, when the filled case has been deposited on the turning frame, the weight of the case causes the frame to move to the dotted line position thereby depositing the case on rollers |61 from which it is moved to the conveyer |62.

'I'he rollers |61 are driven by a sprocket and chain connection, as shown in Fig. 2, and including a sprocket |68 on the speed reduction box and the chains |69 and |10 and the roller sprockets cooperating therewith.

An upwardly extending arm |1| on the frame |63 prevents the reopening of the flaps and also supports the loaded case as it is being moved to the rollers |61.

In order to retard the movement of the turning frame |63, a resistance device is provided, which, in the present instance, comprises a device |12 similar to an ordinary doorcheck and which is secured to the frame I, and the operating arm 60 |13 of this resistance device is connected to the turning frame |63 by means of a link |14.

It will be understood that when the loaded case is moved down to the turning frame the weight of the device will cause the case to be lowered onto the rollers |61. However, this operation will be resisted by the check means |12 and the con-I tainer will be easily and quietly lowered to the dotted line position shown and will then be carried forward onto the conveyer |62. A's soon as 70 the case has moved out of alignment with the rollers on the frame, the frame will be released and returned to normal position by means of the weight |66.

.While the embodiment described previously herein is adapted for completely filling cases with two la'yers or groups of containers and with a single operation, the invention also contemplates certain minor modifications whereby a machine may be adapted tov ll containers with a plurality of layers when desired.

In embodying the invention in a machine for this purpose two or more loading stations may be provided together with the necessary additional container carriages which may be controlled simultaneously with those described previously by merely extending the rack-connecting pinion shaft ||1 forwardly and providing the necessary pinions thereon to engage with the added racks. The same carriage control mechanism, that is, the cam |20 and associated parts are used for driving all of the racks.

Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the position of the containers on the conveyers Ia which latter are similar to the conveyers I6 but are extended forwardly to accommodate the second loading station.

In this construction, the iirst loading station A is similar to that previously described and is in the vertical plane of the opened case. The container conveyers |6a are extended suiciently to provide a second loading station B in advance of the first and in alignment with the second position of the case which has previously been loaded with two layers of containers at station A.

In this construction the machine is somewhat wider and in fact may be of any desired width corresponding to the number of layers which it is desired to load into the cases.

In the present instance four layers have been illustrated and in the rst operation at station A, which is identical with the operation described for the single station machine, each group of cans is moved into the case to the positions indicated by the heavy dotted lines therein.

The case then moves to station B where the same operation is repeated simultaneously with the loading of two more groups in t'ne succeeding case which has been opened and positioned at station A.

At station B the groups are inserted to the same position as groups inserted at station A and take the position indicated by the light dotted lines at station B. As these layers are inserted at station B, they push inwardly the previously inserted layers and thereby completely fill the case. The. folding mechanism then folds the flaps at one end of the case and it is discharged from the machine as described previously.

- In this latter embodiment the detent mechanism for separating the groups of containers is somewhat modified and is diagrammatically'illustrated in Fig. 24. This comprises an escapement bar |15 having pins |16 thereon and intermittently operated by a cam |11 on the shaft 20. The cam cooperates with a cam arm |18 on the detent bar. This detent bar operates in a similar manner to the bar previously described but allows the escapement of eight containers instead of four.

The escapement bar |15 is connected to a. second escapement and detent bar |19 pivoted immediately in front of the first loading station. This bar is provided with container `engaging pins |80 and is connected to the escapement bar |15 by means of links I8| and |82 and the pivot lever |83 so that when the eight containers are released by the escapement bar |15, the remaining cans will be retained bythe pins |16 and the eight released containers will travel forwardly and be stopped by the forward pin |80 on the escapement bar |19. The continued rotation of the cam then causes the position of the escapement bars |15 and I 19 to be reversed andthe re-escapement pin |80 retains four containers at the loading ystation A while the four forward containersl are released by the forward escapement pin |80 and move on to the loading station B.

In this construction the conveyers Iial are geared to a somewhat higher speed than the conveyers |6 thereby very rapidly moving the groups of containers to their respective stations.

The containers at these stations are then raised into engagement with the vacuum cups in the l same manner as when the single station machine is used, the raising arms |04a and |05a at the station B being connected to the container raising mechanism of the rst loading station A by means of a connecting rod |84, whereby the raising mechanism of both stations is operated simultaneously by the cam arm |09 operating on the cami I0. s

The container carriages and the supporting and operating mechanism are identical for the two stations, the carriage operating connections being illustrated in Fig. 25 wherein the racks ||5a of the second' station are connected with the racks I I5 of the first station by means ofthe extended shaft ||1a which is provided with pinions ||6a for engagement with the racks.

With this construction either two, three or four layers may be loaded in containers for in order to load three layers, it is only necessary to change the container group escapement mechanism to assemble a group of cans on the conveyer at one side of the machine at station A only, and to prevent the assembly of a group at station B. In this case, the operation of the device will be the same but only three layers will be inserted.

Figs. 26 and 27 illustrate a modified form of the device illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12 for moving the case flaps 48h out of the arcuate path of the containers and comprises shafts |85 which correspond in function to the shafts |34 in Fig. ll but are operated in the reverse direction by reversing the position of the bevel gears |31 on the shaft |38.

These shafts |85 are provided with slidable arms |86 having vacuum cups |81 thereon. Each arm is normally urged toward the rear of the shaft |85 by means of a spring |88.l

During the forward movement of the case 48a toward the loading station, the vacuum cups |81 are brought into contact with the, bottom surface of the flaps 48h through the-control1ing mechanism. The cups move forward simultaneously with the case due to the slidable connection of the arm |86 with the shaft |85. They are simultaneously moved downwardly to the position indicated in Fig. 27 and thereby retain the iiaps of the arcuate path of the containers.

The vacuum cups |81 may be controlled by any suitable valve means similar to that described previously herein.

Figs. 28, 29, and 30 illustrate a modified form of carriage wherein the vacuum cups are replaced by mechanical means for engaging and lifting the containers. This embodiment comprises a plate |89 having bars |90 slidably mounted thereon. These bars are connected with an equalizing mechanism comprising the connect-ing links |9| and link |92.

A cylinder |93 may be mounted on a portion 7 therein connected to the link |92 by connectingof the carriage and is provided with a piston rod |94.

This piston and cylinder provide a vacuum controlled device which may be 'connected to the vacuum system of the machine and operated to control'the mechanical structure shown in the same manner as the vacuum cups are controlled.

In this embodiment all of the container gripping means are simultaneously controlled to grip the containers when they are brought into engagemcnt with the carriage plate |89.

The slide bars and connecting links together with the piston arc normally urged in an upward direction relative to Fig. 28 by means of a spring |95.

Downwardly extending can engaging means |95 are rigidly attached to the plate |89 so that two of these can engaging members are adjacent each can as it is raised from the conveyers to be engaged thereby.

The slide bars |99 are limited in movement by slots |9a engaging suitable retainingbolts and these slide bars are provided with crossA bars |91 secured to the slide bars |90 and having downwardly extending can engaging. members |98 corresponding tothe xed members |96.

These can engaging members |98- whichI are rigidly fixed to the slide rods are in a position to clamp-the outerrow of containers in the group when the vacuum controlled mechanism is operated. v

All of the can engaging members |96 and |98 are of a contour conforming to the contour of the rim of the can as indicated in Fig. 30, and the can is thereby rigidly retained in engagement.

The second and third row of cans in the group are also engaged by downwardly extending can engaging members |98 secured to cross bars |99 which latter are held in yieldable relation to the slide bars |99 by means of springs 200.

The cross bars |99 are limited in movement relative to the slide bars |90 by means of a suitable bolt and slot connection therewith as illustrated. By means of this arrangement when the vacuum is released from the cylinder |93,

the spring |95 moves all of the slide bars |90 to cause the outward movement of all of the can engaging members |98.

When the vacuum is applied to cause the cans to be gripped, the yieldable connection between the slide bars |99 and the cross bars |99 compensate for any variation in the size of the containers.

It will be understood that this embodiment may be operated either by the vacuum means illustrated or may be controlled by a suitable mechanical connection for moving the slide bars |99.

While the embodiment illustrated is described as adapted for loading small containers, in cases, and in the present instance twelve containers have been disclosed in each group, it is intended that the invention may be adapted for loading containers of various sizes and any suitable number may be assembled in each group.

It will also be understood that the entire disclosure is illustrative only and that modications may be made by those skilledin the art and it is desired, therefore, that the invention belimited only by the prior 'art and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an automatic casing machine, means for,

assembling spaced groups of containers, means for squaring out a collapsed case between said I groups, and means for inserting said groups simultaneously into said case.

2. A casing machine of the character described lcomprising means for squaring out a collapsed case, means for moving containers in one direction to form groups, a carriage, means for moving said groups into engagement with said carriage, and means to cause a two-directional movement of said carriage to move each group into a case. v

3. A casing machine of the character described comprising means for consecutively squaring-out collapsed cases, means for moving groups of containers consecutivelyx to pointsadjacent said squared out cases but out of axial alignment therewith, means for removing said ygroups from engagement with said .moving means, other means for engaging and moving each group in a direction to align said group with said container, and means for changing the direction 'of movement to insert each consecutive group in ach consecutive case.

4. A casing machine of the character described comprising means for consecutively squaring out collapsed cases, means for moving groups of separated rows of 'containers consecutively to points adjacent each case, means for engaging and moving each group in one direction, and cam means for changing the direction of movement to cause the group to be inserted in said ease, and means for causing the rows to move versely movable means for engaging said groups' and moving them into said case.

6. An automatically operable case loading machine of the character described comprising an intermittently operable conveyer, means for squaring out a collapsed case in transverse axial relation on said conveyer, means for assembling a group of containers adjacent each end of said case but below the axial line thereof, and transversely movable means comprising pivotally mounted carriages for supporting and conveying said groups into said case.

7. An automatically operable case loading machine of the character described comprising an intermittently operable conveyer, means for squaring out a collapsed case in transverse axial relation on said conveyer, means for assembling a group of containers adjacent each end of said case but below the axial line thereof, and transversely movable means comprising pivotally mounted carriages for supporting and conveying said groups into said case, and vacuum controlled means for retaining said groups on said carriages. i

8. In a casing machine of the character described, the combination with a magazine for collapsed cases, of a conveyer for moving collapsed cases consequently from said magazine, means cooperating with said conveyer -for squaring out each consecutive case, means for stopping said machine if said case is misplaced, container conveyers adjacent said ca se conveyer for consecu- 

